2013 Hyundai Elantra MPG
EPA ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra run from 27–28 mpg in town to 37–38 on the highway, or 31–32 combined, depending on which of its 5 versions you look at.
The most efficient pairs the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, at 32 mpg combined. Other versions with the same engine, transmission and drive are rated as low as 31 mpg combined (Elantra and Elantra Coupe in EPA's listing). That matches the best gasoline version of the 2012 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular · 284 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular · 284 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Blue | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular · 285 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Coupe | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular · 285 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Coupe | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular · 294 g CO₂/mi |
2013 Hyundai Elantra fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra costs about $2,040 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (32 mpg combined), or roughly 14 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (31 mpg combined) comes to about $2,110 a year, $70 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2013 Hyundai Elantra specs
The EPA lists one engine for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra: a 1.8 L 4-cyl. It came with automatic and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. For fuel-economy purposes it sits in the EPA's "Midsize Cars" class.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L | 4 | Automatic 6-spd; Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 5 |
2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
As of October 2026, NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) holds 1,314 owner complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
Steering is the most-reported area (15% of component mentions), followed by engine (12%) and air bags (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 93 complaints a year: more than the 2012 (43 a year) and the 2014 (30 a year).
No other Hyundai Elantra model year from 2008 to 2024 has more complaints per year on sale.
Of the 1,314, 93 mention a crash, 31 a fire and 48 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 271 | 15% |
| Engine | 233 | 12% |
| Air bags | 168 | 9% |
| Service brakes | 164 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 155 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 123 | 7% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 116 | 6% |
| Suspension | 99 | 5% |
| Wheels | 76 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 74 | 4% |
| Power train | 57 | 3% |
| Tires | 55 | 3% |
| Structure | 51 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 50 | 3% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 46 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 27 | 1% |
| Visibility | 27 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 19 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 17 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 8 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 5 | <1% |
| Seats | 4 | <1% |
| Air service brakes | 4 | <1% |
| Traction control system | 4 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | <1% |
| Equipment | 2 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 2 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | <1% |
| Back over prevention | 1 | <1% |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 1 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. …
I was wondering if you can help me. I have a Hyundai Elantra that had a recall for my engine to get fixed by the dealership. …
Drivers air bag high resistance too high (2nd stage) B149000- PODS(passenger occupant detecting system) sensor (Bladder) Defect Start with replacing the clock spring assembly maybe be other problems. Airbag uncertain if operational. …
2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has been the subject of 4 recall campaigns.
The most recent, campaign 23V651000 from September 2023, concerns hydraulic service brakes.
Hydraulic service brakes account for 2 of the 4 campaigns, more than any other area.
16V574000 · August 2, 2016 · Exterior lighting
Problem: The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Elantra years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V651000 | September 22, 2023 | Hydraulic service brakes | 2011–2015 |
| 17V769000 | November 30, 2017 | Hydraulic service brakes | 2013–2014 |
| 13V115000 | April 1, 2013 | Structure, Air bags | 2011–2013 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Hyundai Elantras can be compared fairly. Among other 2013 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2013 Nissan Altima (31 mpg), 2013 Nissan Sentra (33 mpg) and 2013 Honda Accord (30 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 29 | 380 | 22 | 3 |
| 2011 | 32 | 433 | 27 | 5 |
| 2012 | 32 | 654 | 43 | 4 |
| 2013 | 32 | 1,314 | 93 | 4 |
| 2014 | 31 | 386 | 30 | 2 |
| 2015 | 31 | 262 | 22 | 3 |
| 2016 | 31 | 293 | 26 | 2 |
Every Hyundai Elantra model year compared →
Similar 2013 models
FAQ
Is the 2013 Elantra a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 93 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (the most of its 17 model years), 4 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 32 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2013 Elantra problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are steering (271), engine (233) and air bags (168). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2013 Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Elantra get?
The EPA rates the versions at 31–32 mpg combined (27–28 city, 37–38 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Elantra per year?
About $2,040 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,110 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).